We are interested
in developing new lanthanide complexes that can be used as reagents and/or
catalysts in organic chemistry.In
particular we anticipate preparing chiral lanthanide complexes for
applications in asymmetric synthesis.Initial work in the group is focusing on the development of new ligand
systems that are mixed, N,O chelates.All of the complexes proposed are new and this fundamentalwork will serve to better understand the
unique and complex chemistry of the lanthanide series.All of the ligand targets chosen are
highly variable, thereby permitting a “high-throughput” strategy to be used
for catalyst discovery.

IN THE LABORATORY

In
my labs a student could anticipate developing a wide range of synthetic
skills.We will be making molecules .
. . and lots of them!For
organolanthanide chemistry air-sensitive handling techniques are fundamental,
including glove box and vacuum line techniques.The characterization of these complexes will rely on X-ray
crystallography (where a student could learn to solve structures in the
departmental X-ray facility) IR and NMR spectroscopy, including 2-D and
variable temperature work.Because
these complexes will then be used for organic chemistry, the student would
develop these techniques as well (including column chromatography).In the asymmetric portions of the project,
students will be exposed to chiral GC, polarimetry and chiral
resolutions.Every student can expect
to gain experience in all or most of the above-mentioned techniques.However, all research projects in the
group may take on a more “organic or inorganic flavour” and that direction is
entirely student dependent.Consequently, I suggest my graduate students take courses in both the
inorganic and organic divisions, with an emphasis on synthetic chemistry.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

In
addition to laboratory techniques and course work, a student in my group can
anticipate having many opportunities to develop related scientific skills,
including writing, preparing presentations, giving seminars and valuable time
management skills.Students will
contribute to the writing of manuscripts of their work.We hold weekly group meetings that include
literature and research presentations.The department hosts several seminar series and poster sessions
throughout the year to further promote scientific discussion.I also encourage students to attend
conferences and would expect senior students to present their work both
nationally and internatio nally.

ON THE LIGHTER
SIDE

I personally believe in a balanced approach to
life.Consequently, in addition to
the academic focus that graduate school demands, I encourage students to
participate in sports, community service and other recreational activities.Graduate school should be an exciting,
challenging and rewarding experience.I hope to provide the kind of individualized training experience that
will allow each student to develop to his/her full potential, as scientists
and scholars.